Zanzibar
Sep 21, 2018, 11:35 am
#16
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,265
consider somewhat to the south ?
private island
- andbeyond mnemba - Zanzibar Archipelago
- azura quilalea - Quirimbas Archipelago
- anantara medjumbe - Quirimbas Archipelago
not private island >
- vamizi - andbeyond - Quirimbas Archipelago
benguerra - Bazaruto Archipelago
- andbeyond
- azura
- Bazaruto - anantara - Bazaruto Archipelago
(andbeyond may offer multi destination discount)
private island
- andbeyond mnemba - Zanzibar Archipelago
- azura quilalea - Quirimbas Archipelago
- anantara medjumbe - Quirimbas Archipelago
not private island >
- vamizi - andbeyond - Quirimbas Archipelago
benguerra - Bazaruto Archipelago
- andbeyond
- azura
- Bazaruto - anantara - Bazaruto Archipelago
(andbeyond may offer multi destination discount)
Apart from that, &Beyond is great. Really nice agents to work with, overall a great company. If you don't mind the distance, do have a look!
@Musken please have a look at this perhaps? Ras Kutani Camp | Selous Safari Camp
I only know this place because some member did recommend this property on this board (in a more general Tanzania thread). I really wanted to visit this one last July but 1 night was just too short given the transfers etc. I still have this one on my list and it seems very enjoyable for a family beach holiday.
On the other hand there's also Maffia Island of course but there you can only opt for 2 beach shacks ("comfortable" at best) versus the incredible Thanda private island. But the latter is only worth a look if you are at least 8 people.
Also worth a note: Frégate (Seychelles) does offer free nights atm when booked via a few travel agents. Non public offer but it is there. They are also quite generous towards adding -18 years olds to parent's villa.
Sep 22, 2018, 12:25 am
#17
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
We’ve toyed with Mnemba Island for years, but do be aware there is no air con. The diving there is supposed to be so incredible that I’ve still considered it despite its lack of air con. But seriously...
Sep 22, 2018, 4:05 am
#18
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: London
Programs: Avios
Posts: 166
I really struggled in the open rooms at Jade Mountain in St Lucia with no air conditioning however I didn't find it a problem with Mnemba Island as there is a gentle breeze through the room the whole time.
Sep 22, 2018, 4:15 am
#19
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: London
Programs: Avios
Posts: 166
I am kinda surprised because I did book a client less than 2 months ago at the Residence, and they were extremely happy. There have also been a few good comments on this proerty FWIW. They booked a 2 BR villa with pool for the 5 of them and truly liked it. Their previous trip was Alila Jabal Akhdar, just to put things in perspective.
Of course Mnemba is the best. But like you indicated, it also comes at a cost when travelling with children. In general I do feel like many travellers here are focused on travelling as a couple. Nothing wrong with that and may you all enjoy your trips. But keep in mind that some of us are actually 4, 5 or even more. So we need to at least double our budget.
Did you have a look at the Asilia properties? https://www.asiliaafrica.com/east-af...afari/zanzibar
Also barefoot luxury and much more of the beaten path. If you want more details, just let me know!
I would stay away from the many, many all-in tourist traps like the ones in LHW, Xanadu (sorry Mac!) ... Zanzibar is indeed very touristy and is sold as an AI destination for EU package travellers. Be aware!
Of course Mnemba is the best. But like you indicated, it also comes at a cost when travelling with children. In general I do feel like many travellers here are focused on travelling as a couple. Nothing wrong with that and may you all enjoy your trips. But keep in mind that some of us are actually 4, 5 or even more. So we need to at least double our budget.
Did you have a look at the Asilia properties? https://www.asiliaafrica.com/east-af...afari/zanzibar
Also barefoot luxury and much more of the beaten path. If you want more details, just let me know!
I would stay away from the many, many all-in tourist traps like the ones in LHW, Xanadu (sorry Mac!) ... Zanzibar is indeed very touristy and is sold as an AI destination for EU package travellers. Be aware!
1. A big room but shabby. We had a garden room which looked on to a shabby garden. The beach view rooms could easily be seen into from the beach.
2. The grounds could have been beautiful but the gardens weren't watered so they were arid.
3. Service was well meaning but confused.
4. Food was terrible. Buffets for dinner and breakfast. No a la carte option at breakfast, we had to queue around a buffet where the cooked food was cold and congealed. My husband who isn't even very fussy about food couldn't eat it. One night we had a 'private dinner' on the beach but rather awkwardly we were one of three couples. Food at this meal was awful, lobster covered in some weird yogurt sauce.
5. Though each villa had a private pool, the main pool was crowded and no free seats.
6. Our arrival struck a negative note. The transfer didn't pick us up at the airport and we ended up having to get a taxi to the hotel. We had no local currency and the hotel had to pay the taxi driver. They stood there arguing price with him while we stood tired and bewildered not even offered a seat let alone a drink.
Our time at Mnemba couldn't have been more different.
Having said all that, this was two years ago and even when we arrived there was a new GM who recognised the problems and was looking to implement changes.
Sep 24, 2018, 10:11 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP/OW Emerald
Posts: 209
Recommend Constance Aiyana. It's on Pemba island (Zanzibar, not Mozambique). Had a great stay there in July after a few night at the Park Hyatt. It's a bit of a trek - flight to Pemba followed by 1.5 to 2 hr overland transit, but well worth it imo.
Sep 24, 2018, 9:30 pm
#24
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 302
Beach pristine, unfortunately swimmable only during high tide.
Have to look for photos and post a write-up if anyone is interested?
Jul 13, 2022, 8:00 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 700
Any recent reports from andBeyond Mnemba? I've admittedly been turned off by some of the older reviews mentioning that the so-called private island isn't all that private. That said, other than a handful of bad reviews the overwhelming majority of folks have liked it. As always, welcome any thoughts from this trusted group of experts!
Additionally, if anyone has any other recommendations for a private island-esque stay to add on to a safari in Rwanda/Tanzania, am all ears.
Additionally, if anyone has any other recommendations for a private island-esque stay to add on to a safari in Rwanda/Tanzania, am all ears.
Sep 7, 2022, 12:53 pm
#27
Join Date: May 2008
Location: "the world is my country"
Programs: Alaska 100K (aka OWS)
Posts: 810
Also interested, so bumping! Our agent has us for a few days at Zuri Zanzibar, but we'd like to extend the trip longer (good snorkeling a plus) prior to going back home.